Osteoporosis screening measures the density of your bones (which is related to bone strength) on a scanning bed that uses very small amounts of x-rays. From this, we will be able to assess whether you have or are likely to develop osteoporosis.
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Before your appointment
No special preparation is needed. Your appointment will not involve any injections and the machine that measures your bone density is open and not like a tunnel.
If possible, wear clothes that do not contain metal, such as zips or hooks. This way there will be no need for you to undress.
Please inform us before you come for your appointment if think you may be pregnant.
If you are a private patient and are using health insurance, we advise you to check with your company that you are covered for this examination. Please bring your insurance details with you, including your pre-authorisation where applicable.
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At your appointment
When you arrive, please check in at the reception. You will be asked to hand in your completed questionnaire, which you should have received by post before your appointment. You will then be asked to take a seat in the waiting area.
A bone densitometrist/nuclear medicine technologist will collect you for your scan and will stay with you while it is completed. We generally scan your lower spine and one hip. The scan itself takes around 10 minutes and the whole process takes about 20 minutes to complete.
The scans will be analysed and passed on to one of our doctors for evaluation. A report will be sent to the doctor that referred you to us about two weeks after your visit.
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After your appointment
If you have any questions, please ask us at your appointment or call 020 7188 4099.
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Refer a patient to our service